Public Works Minister Halts Toll Road Repairs from 11 March 2026 Ahead of Lebaran Exodus
Jakarta — The government continues carrying out repair work on the Tangerang-Merak toll road section in preparation for the 2026 Lebaran travel rush. This work is a key priority because the route serves as the main access for vehicles heading to Merak Port, which operates ferries to Sumatra.
Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo stated that the government has already set a deadline for halting toll road construction projects during the Lebaran travel period. However, certain strategic sections remain exempt and still require attention.
“To ensure smooth Lebaran departure and return traffic, all other toll road construction, preservation, and maintenance work will be halted from 11 March 2026 to 1 April 2026, except for emergency work,” Hanggodo said during a meeting with Commission V of the People’s Consultative Assembly on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
Nevertheless, work on certain road sections is permitted to continue for a limited time to ensure road conditions remain safe for travellers.
“For example, on the Jakarta-Merak road section, we request permission to continue work until 13 March 2026,” said Hanggodo.
The Tangerang-Merak route plays a vital role in the national transport network as it serves as the main corridor for vehicles heading to Merak Port before crossing to Sumatra.
The government believes road conditions on this route must be optimal before vehicle traffic increases sharply during peak Lebaran travel.
“On several toll road sections, emergency repair or patching work is still being carried out in response to new potholes caused by recent heavy rainfall,” Hanggodo explained.
These emergency repairs are being conducted at multiple locations damaged by the high rainfall intensity in recent weeks.
The government is targeting the completion of all repair work before the peak travel rush begins.
“Repair work is taking place on 25 toll road sections and is targeted for completion no later than 13 March 2026,” Hanggodo said.
Beyond improving road conditions, the government is also implementing various measures to prevent vehicle congestion heading to the ferry terminals.
One measure being prepared is traffic management through buffer zones at several rest areas along the route to Merak Port.
“To prevent vehicle congestion heading to Merak and Bakauheni ferry terminals, together with the Ministry of Transportation, we are also setting up buffer zones at several rest areas on the Tangerang-Merak section,” Hanggodo said.
This measure is expected to maintain traffic flow while reducing the vehicle queues that typically occur before ferry crossings.
“This policy aims to reduce vehicle queues heading to the ferry terminal whilst maintaining smooth toll road traffic,” he concluded.